As you might have heard by now, for the past 90 plus years the Chicago Cubs have been under the curse of the Billy Goat. Apparently, a local merchant was not allowed to bring his goat to a Cubs game. Furious he placed a curse on the Cubs that they would never again reach the World Series. Don't believe in curses - check the Cubs records since that time (and Tuesday night's game).

Looking at some of the current drivers, you get the feeling that NASCAR is not immune to such devices. Don't believe in curses - then explain the following:

#15 Michael Waltrip - For the first time ever, Michael was well on his way to having his place on the podium in New York. (Which would have been for the first time ever that a driver's speech went over 2 hours and mentioned every sponsor at least 3 times including product placement).

But Michael made a wee mistake back in Darlington and actually said that he could not wait to race in California during next year's Labor Day. Needless to say the Lady in Black threw all her curses at Michael. Don't believe it - Michael's position before Darlington - 5th place; currently - 11th. Until this past week, Michael has not been finished in the top 20 (except for Talladega - not even the Lady in Black can beat the DEI restrictor plate package).

#0 Jason Leffler - Before 2000, Leffler was a promising Busch driver. He was then recruited by Chip Ganassi to drive his Dodge in 2001. Things didn't work out and Leffler regrouped in the mighty #2 truck. Alas fortune smiled this year and Leffler finally received the call to return to Winston Cup. With his childhood dreams restored, Leffler thought he must have been blessed again. But alas ill fortune was just playing with him and once again Leffler is being forced to move on. What is this force - who knows but it apparently hates any rookie Dodge driver who started in 2001 to great fanfare. Don't believe it - ask Casey Atwood.

#97 Kurt Busch - You all know the story. You all know the results (pre-Bristol possible runner up; since Bristol - possible runner up to the top 10). Yes he was hit by an old and decrepit curse that seems to be never ending. Don't believe it - The weird result is that this young gun's fall has opened the door to two old timers' possible return to the top ten (Elliot and Terry Labonte). Just goes to show that you should never fool around with ancient artifacts.

#38 Elliot Sadler - Since Talladega, Elliot has went from trying to get back into the top 15 to just wanting to actually finish a race. Not too sure who placed this curse on Elliot except for they must have been very upset after the chocolate did melt in their hands.

#77 Dave Blaney - At the beginning of the year, it appeared that this team was at the top of their game. Each week, the Ford executives smiled as the #77 Ford started to finish higher and higher each week. But when they started to sense treason, they placed the darkest of curses on the team and the #77 'Your Make Here' has fallen from sight (which is pretty amazing considering that the car is painted Atomic Banana Yellow).

Once proud, the Jasper shop has been under a dark cloud (interestingly shaped like an oval). Don't believe in the Power of Ford - ask Ricky Craven who has fallen to the same fate (top 10 to the toilet) when his team betrayed the Oval for Pontiac.

Disclaimer - All the above is meant in good humor and does not imply any belief in dark or unnatural forces. Just consider it the rambling words of a Cub fan who is left wondering why and who has already watched one too many Halloween specials.

KevinSPitt@hotmail.com